NTSA targets rogue motorists with 20 more speed guns

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The agency said the speed guns, which cost Sh34 million, will be used in areas that have seen an increase in the number of accidents like Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is set to extend its crackdown on motorists to nearly all the accident blackspots after the World Bank donated 20 speed guns to curb road carnage.

The additional speed guns bring the total number of the gadgets to 110. The agency said the speed guns, which cost Sh34 million, will be used in areas that have seen an increase in the number of accidents like Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru.

Transport secretary Michael Kamau said 30 police officers have been permanently attached to NTSA and will help the agency enforce traffic rules.

“The joint enhanced enforcement safety teams drawn from NTSA and traffic police will be dispersed throughout the country and shall strictly enforce the existing traffic laws,” said Mr Kamau.

Mr Kamau also announced that the ministry will launch smart licences and number plates in July and June respectively to crack down on fakes.

“The officers will use a gadget to run the number plates and licences through NTSA database to authenticate their legality.”

Solomon Waithaka, the World Bank’s senior highway engineer said partnering with the Roads ministry was part of a UN-backed road safety global plan.

“A majority of accidents are caused by human behavior and we need to change and deal with it through enforcement, re-engineering and education. With additional speed-guns NTSA will be in a position to enforce the existing laws and deal with culprits and safe lives in the process,” said Mr Waithaka.